This display of support is hopefully an end to more than three years of tension that has existed between the GOP gubernatorial candidate and the party leadership, said state party Chairman Randy Ruedrich on Friday.

"It's no secret about GOP bosses and myself having a difference in opinion on reforms," said Palin, adding that she hopes they can work together.

The two have not seen eye-to-eye on ethics issues, which has been a rallying point for Palin's campaign this year.

While on the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in 2004, Palin launched a complaint against fellow Commissioner Ruedrich, alleging he was conducting GOP fundraising activities from his office. The action resulting in Ruedrich paying a fine.

Palin also made a formal complaint last year against former state Attorney General Gregg Renkes about a possible conflict of interest, which eventually cost Renkes his job.

During this summer's primary campaign, two anonymous letters were sent to the media and the Alaska Public Office Commission accusing Palin of doing the same thing when running for lieutenant governor in 2002 while she was mayor of Wasilla. Palin accused Ruedrich of being involved in what she called a smear tactic, and the party chairman denied any connection.

Although Palin told the media earlier in the week she may call for Ruedrich's resignation, on Friday she said she would let the party's central committee deal with the leadership and she hopes Ruedrich would welcome change within the party.

Ruedrich said Palin had his endorsement. It's party policy to support the primary winner, he added.

"We have no intention to support Gov. Knowles," he said. Palin faces the Democrat and former Gov. Tony Knowles in the November election.

Her primary opponents, John Binkley and Gov. Frank Murkowski, also have endorsed Palin.

House Speaker John Harris, R-Valdez, said several factions exist among Republicans and that was evident in Tuesday's three-way election.

"I think for Sarah Palin to get elected she needs to unify, not divide," he said.

At a GOP convention in Fairbanks in April, Ruedrich was re-elected by state delegates as party chairman to serve another four years.